Local Politics
UPDATE: Legislature adjourns; 2nd special session set
Inslee says state must plan in case of July 1 government shutdown
OLYMPIA — The Legislature adjourned Tuesday for the second time this year without a budget agreement, and will return Wednesday to continue their work in a second overtime session called earlier in the day by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Washington advocates file gun control initiative
Plan would expand use of background checks
OLYMPIA — Advocates seeking to expand the use of background checks on gun sales submitted a Washington state ballot initiative Tuesday, taking a new approach after both federal and state lawmakers passed on similar proposals.
Local lawmakers point fingers over impasse
Several legislators from Southwest Washington agreed on one thing Monday: it's likely the Legislature will require double overtime to pass a state operating budget. They didn't agree, however, on who's responsible for the gridlock.
Freeholder election on county commissioners' agenda
Decision part of home rule charter process
Clark County commissioners have a final choice to make on a freeholder election before the matter heads to voters and a home rule charter process begins.
Senate honors late Sen. Mike Carrell
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers remembered the late Sen. Mike Carrell, passing a resolution in his honor on the Senate floor.
Public votes on policy shifts proposed in Washington Senate
Policies would alter how lawmakers manage budget
OLYMPIA — The Washington Senate proposed Sunday to have statewide votes on policies that would alter how lawmakers manage the budget and how school principals manage their teachers.
Camas to discuss pricier Lacamas Lodge
City can borrow more or seek new bids
While construction bids for Camas' new community center are $200,000 more than the city budgeted, officials say the project will likely move ahead on schedule.
Senate unveils new budget proposal
OLYMPIA -- With just days left in an overtime legislative session, the state Senate has unveiled a revised budget plan similar to a proposal the chamber passed during the regular session, but which makes some concessions on revenue.
Local firms donated to anti-CRC effort
The I-5 Project Inc. hired group of lobbyists to fight bridge project
Three Southwest Washington companies are the top donors behind a lobbying effort to influence legislators' views on the Columbia River Crossing project.
Washington Dems back away from business tax extension
OLYMPIA — Democrats in the Washington Legislature are backing away from a plan that would have raised money by extending a business tax, as lawmakers sought an elusive budget compromise Wednesday in the final week of an overtime legislative session.
Steve O'Ban sworn in to replace Carrell
OLYMPIA — Steve O'Ban has been sworn in as the newest Republican member of the Washington state Senate.
Home rule given county approval
Freeholders will be elected in November to draft new charter
The process to potentially redraft Clark County's form of government -- to home rule -- is under way.
Inslee criticizes lawmakers' lack of progress on budget deal
He takes GOP to task on education- related measure
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday that he is concerned about the "lack of substantive progress" in budget negotiations as lawmakers near the end of an overtime session, and he specifically called out a measure put forth by Senate Republicans that he says will take money away from education.
Two of three manufacturers ink deal with CRC over I-5 bridge height
Negotiations still under way with third firm, Thompson Metal Fab
Washington and Oregon transportation officials have finalized mitigation agreements with two of the three metal manufacturers that would be negatively impacted by the height of the new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River, Gov. Jay Inslee announced today.Washington and Oregon transportation officials have finalized mitigation agreements with two of the crucial three manufacturers upstream of the proposed Columbia River Crossing project, Gov. Jay Inslee announced today.
Clark County fee waiver plan might be a tough sell
Developers opposed to proposal fear costs could actually rise
A plan promoted by Clark County Commissioner David Madore to boost jobs by eliminating traffic and permitting fees for all non-housing projects is a tough sell among some commercial developers who would benefit from the construction work.
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